Young children are often the highest consumers of antibiotics, but a new study has found frequent use in early life could impact the effectiveness of the drugs a few years down the line. So much so, half of children are now resistant to some antibiotics, experts have warned. The large-scale study found future treatment could be deemed "ineffective" and leave children unable to kill bugs that cause common infections.

The team of scientists from Bristol University and Imperial College London examined levels of resistance to UTIs (urinary tract infections) caused by E.coli. This type of infection is particularly common amongst youngsters, with one in 10 girls and one in 30 boys suffering from the condition at least once by time they reach the age of 16.

The findings are based on analysis of 58 studies of almost 80,000 UTI cases in 26 countries, including the UK. They found antimicrobial resistance among children with such infections in richer countries is so significant that certain common antibiotics fail to work in around 50% of cases. More specifically, in western countries more than half the children were resistant to an antibiotic called Ampicillin. A further quarter of those studied were resistant toTrimethoprim, a third to Co-trimoxazole and 8% could not be treated with Co-amoxiclav. Resistance is higher among children under five than those aged between six and 17.

"Prevalence of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics in primary care in children with urinary tract infections cased by E coli is high, particularly in countries outside the OECD. This could render some antibiotics ineffective as first-line treatments for urinary tract infection."

Co-author, Dr Ceire Costello, from Imperial College London warned the research showed children were at greater risk of E.coli resistance for up to six months after treatment.

"Routine use of antibiotics in primary care contributes to antimicrobial resistance in children, which can persist for up to six months after treatment."

An antibiotic pharmacists for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said the results are "worrying." Earlier this month, NHS England launched a national programme to combat antibiotic overusage. Funding will be made available to hospitals and other providers that reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

The NetDoctor newsletter delivers the latest healthy living news straight to your inbox. Make sure you never miss out by signing up here...

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.